The Season of Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Here the faithful go to church to receive a sign of the cross on their foreheads from ashes (ashes from the blessed palms used on Palm Sunday). This mark is a reminder of our mortality and a call for repentance. The priest blesses the ashes and says,

"Remember, man, that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return".

Those words mean so much to us. The message of Ash Wednesday service is, "Pray like no one is watching you. Fast like no one is watching you. Do good like no one is watching you. God knows and His love for you transforms the simple earth into Spirit filled worshipers.” May our hearts reflect this balance between the humble and the blessed.

What is Lent?

Lent is the season of preparation for Easter. It starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter, lasting for 40 days (not counting Sundays). We prepare for Easter by fasting and practicing spiritual discipline during this time - to reflect on The Lord’s sacrifices. Basically, Lent is a time for "spring cleaning" our lives while giving thanks to God and strengthening our relationship with Him.

How do I explain Lent to my kids?

Young children have a hard time understanding Lent. One way is to say it's a time to bring us closer to God. In our busy lives we fill ourselves with candy, buy new toys, play video games and watch television, which may feed our appetite for fun but any joy we get from this is temporary. During Lent we stop filling our lives with temporary fun and make more room for seeking God’s presence. The church encourages prayer, fasting and sacrificial giving during Lent as ways to turn our hearts and minds to God. During this time we attempt to incorporate activities in our daily lives which will strengthen us. Many people "give up" something important to them for the 40 days of Lent. Others "take on" new practices, such as getting up an hour earlier each day to study the Bible. These sacrifices help us focus more on the Lord and His presence than on ourselves and our wants. Find ways to have a family devotional or playing family games time instead of individual video game time are ways of seeking His presence and breaking up daily habits and routine.